Do I need additional music licenses for fitness classes in the U.S.?

Yes, potentially. In the U.S., there is an important distinction between background music and music used as part of an instructed or paid class.

Background music

For regular background music played in your business, your Soundsuit subscription includes all the required public-performance licensing for the music provided through Soundsuit.

Instructed or paid classes

If music is used as an integral part of a class — for example spinning, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, dance, boxing or other instructor-led activities — additional public-performance licenses may be required.

This is particularly relevant when participants pay to attend the class or when the activity is performed or timed to music.

Depending on the music used and your specific activity, you may need additional licensing directly from U.S. Performing Rights Organizations (PROs), such as ASCAP, BMI, GMR and/or SESAC.

How much does additional licensing cost?

There is no universal fee per class. Each PRO applies its own licensing model, which may take into account factors such as number of members, type of activity, music usage and number of locations.

Learn more about music licensing for fitness classes in the U.S. >

In short: Soundsuit covers the licensing required for standard background music use in the U.S. If music is used as part of an instructed, paid or music-driven class, check whether additional PRO licensing is required for your specific use case.